Employee Relations Business Partner | VIC-Melbourne Central Office

Job description

Employee Relations Business Partner

Job Location: Melbourne, Adelaide or Sydney – We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements, including a 9-day fortnight. Travel may be required depending on the specific operational needs of the role at any given time.

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you'll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global network, you'll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You'll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow - shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space – there's no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Role Description:

We have two exciting opportunities to join a highly regarded team as an Employee Relations Business Partner.

Reporting to the Head of Employee Relations, you will act as subject matter expert to provide strategic, commercial and pragmatic advice as well as hands-on support to business leaders and People team on a full range of ER and IR matters, including bargaining, disputes, complex case management, policy and legal compliance.

One of the opportunities has a mixed blue-, grey- and white-collar focus working with a number of lines of business delivering directly into our customers across the nation. A key part of the role will be to oversee a number of EA negotiations approaching in the coming 6-12 months, and this may require regular travel.

The other opportunity has a dual focus – providing expert ER support into our white-collar functional teams as well as being responsible for shaping enterprise approaches around ER-related policies, knowledge and training, and in particular case management.

Core Duties:

• Partnering with key stakeholders across the business to manage ER and IR matters, including legal claims, disputes, enterprise bargaining, policy and broader legal compliance..
• Supporting delivery of business changes and strategic projects at a business level, where relevant aligning with wider People and enterprise strategy, and with oversight from Head of Employee Relations.
• Advising on applicable legal frameworks, enterprise agreements, modern awards, employment contracts and Company policies and processes.
• Providing advice and coaching to our People Business Partnering teams and leaders across the business on complex internal cases.
• Supporting design and implementation of compliance-focused measures, and continued evolution of our policy suite and ER knowledge base.
• Proactively identifying, designing and delivering relevant ER/IR training for internal stakeholders such as People Business Partners and leaders.
• Working autonomously and influencing key stakeholders across all levels of the business.
• Developing and maintaining trusted internal and external relationships, including with applicable trade unions.
• Working with internal and external legal counsel and advisors as required.

Essential Skills:

• Strong knowledge of employment and industrial relations framework, with significant prior experience as an ER/IR practitioner.
• Prior experience as in-house employment counsel or employment lawyer will be highly regarded but is not a pre-requisite.
• Experience advising on and managing complex ER/IR, including enterprise bargaining, industrial action, legal claims and/or regulatory activity.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing modern ER/IR policies, frameworks and training in a pragmatic, commercial and effective way, whilst ensuring compliance with a wide range of legal requirements.
• Experience managing ER/IR claims in Courts and Tribunals.
• Computer literacy, with intermediate knowledge of full MS Suite, with any demonstrated experience in the effective use of AI highly regarded.
• Ability to hold and maintain Defence Security Clearance. 

Why BAE Systems?

Here you'll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work – this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You'll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what's most important to you and your family – support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.[MZ1] 

A place where everyone can thrive

We're committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

We support our veteran community through VetNet Australia, along with initiatives such as Reserve Service Leave, a Veteran Mentoring Program, and partner-supported programs.

We welcome applications from all candidates and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.

We are proud to be recognised as an employer of choice for women by WORK180 and recipients of the Benchmarcx Top Employer for Candidate Experience Excellence 2026. As members of the Circle Back Initiative, we commit to responding to every applicant.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team to discuss the support you may need. You can also connect with us via Careers and Employment.

Security statement

Please note, as a defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and either possess or be eligible to obtain and maintain one. Further information regarding security clearances.